5 Suggestions for Shorter Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their research. All to guarantee the end user is presented with the best information to be had. To keep up with the always changing requirements, PSM Appraisals, LLC is continuously testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At PSM Appraisals, LLC we know that time is important to everybody, so here are a few things you can do to hasten the process whenever you order an appraisal from PSM Appraisals, LLC.

Always order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you get automatic e-mail notifications that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is helpful information to pass long with your request. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the unique elements of this property.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing characteristics add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. At the time you order your report, be sure to let us know if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them early on is likely to make your report arrive more quickly.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uncomfortable with an outsider looking in every corner of their home, taking photos, and making lots of notes. Many commonly think they must make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, believing that will make the house appraise for more money. So they delay the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Coming from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- a little info about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make it more likely their sale will close, and likely shorten the appraisal inspection time. Please feel free to point your clients to our website, where we have many pages of helpful information for homeowners and others describing the appraisal process. Encourage them to call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment quickly!
Use our website to follow your report's status.: Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7. As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information is instantly available to you online. It's never been faster and easier to track the status of your report.